(07-27-2012 05:30 AM)Arjahn Wrote: I think the point of Booze vs. Weed is that, at least for the United States, we have one drug (Yes booze is a drug if you're going on the definition of "A substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.") that causes several deaths, cases of domestic violence and major liver damage, not to mention drunk driving, and it's completely legal. This is opposed to Weed, which essentially just relaxes you and makes you feel a bit fuzzy, which is strictly banned. The argument of "Weed will do "x" and "y" horrible things to you and ruin your life and that is why we can't allow it!" becomes irrelevant in a society that allows other drugs that have far harsher effects.
Also, you shouldn't group Marijuana with most people's idea/list of "dangerous and illegal narcotics", which they commonly do. Comparing Weed to Cocaine is like comparing a plastic knife to an AK-47 at a murder scene. If you're just chilling out in your basement getting stoned, I see nothing wrong with that. I don't personally care for it, but what right should we or the government have to say that's illegal, especially when getting drunk isn't?
Blargh, I don't feel like arguing, I'm gonna go eat some doritos.
All I'm saying is that the booze vs weed thing really just highlights how poorly thought-out the legislation is regarding booze. It's only legal because it's
been legal for ages and is socially widespread. I'm not saying that's a decent argument for alcohol to be legal, but that's just how it is. Comparing that situation to what the laws for weed should be just seems redundant.
I doubt any of us have really had a good look into the scientific facts of weed, like read multiple medical papers on the possible side-effects and stuff. I know I'm not informed enough to say whether it's harmless or not. How dangerous it is is debatable, but as it stands, it's still certainly an illegal narcotic.
All that being said, as I mentioned before, I'm (somewhat disinterestedly) in favour of legalisation. At least then it can be better regulated, taxed, and not sold to 15yr olds outside schools - plus the profits won't go towards financing crime.